Phlox 'Nicky'

Phlox 'Nicky' is a showy perennial offering mid to late summer interest. The darkest of all the tall garden phlox, the plant blooms in billowy masses of large pyramidal clusters dense with dark magenta-purple flowers. Borne on stiff stems, the fragrant flowers make stunning cut flowers and attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

A Phlox paniculata, commonly called garden phlox, 'Nicky' is an herbaceous plant that has an upright, clumping habit of narrow, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. A staple of the perennial border, garden phlox is shown to best effect massed or grouped but also makes an excellent specimen.

Cold hardy and virtually trouble free, Phlox 'Nicky' prefers full sun to part shade and rich, moist, organic soils but is tolerant of a wide variety of soils, including chalk, loam, and sandy soils. The plant is intolerant of drought but has exceptional mildew resistance. Summer mulch may be beneficial to keep roots moist and cool, and good air circulation helps to further prevent problems with mildew. It is deer and black walnut resistant. Deadheading faded flowers promotes new blooms, and cutting back stems after flowering is over prevents self-seeding.

A native plant, Phlox 'Nicky' is indigenous to North America, from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.